Q&A with Chris Roberts: Insights into Fitness, Nutrition, and Mental Health
In this blog post, we’re diving into some valuable insights shared by fitness trainer Chris Roberts, covering everything from supplement routines to the balance between mental health and fitness goals. Here are some of his most valuable tips for anyone on a fitness journey.
1. Supplements for a Solid Foundation
• Chris keeps his supplement routine simple, focusing on essentials like whey protein, creatine, and beta-alanine to support his training and recovery. He’s a fan of Musashi Nutrition and even shares a discount code (Chris30) for those interested in trying the same products.
2. Nutrition Goals: Calories and Protein Intake
• With a daily intake of around 3000 calories and a target of about 200 grams of protein, Chris emphasizes the importance of protein in achieving fitness goals. This amount supports muscle repair and growth, crucial for high-intensity training routines.
3. Training Basics for Beginners
• His top advice for those new to the gym? “Get the basics right first.” Chris suggests focusing on compound lifts and building a base level of strength. This foundational work prepares beginners to handle more complex routines down the road.
4. Cutting Tips: Prioritize Protein
• For those looking to cut body fat, Chris recommends keeping protein intake high (at least 2g per kg of body weight) while allowing other macronutrients to fluctuate. This approach preserves muscle mass even as you reduce overall calories.
5. Balancing Fitness Goals with Mental Health
• Chris believes in striking a balance between physical and mental health. He acknowledges that “being leaner won’t necessarily make you happy.” As you age, it’s essential to focus on what truly brings you joy—fitness should support that, not detract from it.
6. Best Advice for Holiday Fitness
• When asked about staying fit on holiday, Chris keeps it simple: “Just enjoy it!” For shorter breaks, he recommends not stressing over workouts. For longer holidays, he advises increasing NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) and ensuring adequate protein intake.
7. Training Advice for Injuries
• For those dealing with knee injuries but still wanting to train legs, Chris suggests BFR (Blood Flow Restriction) training. This method allows for a lighter weight load while maintaining the intensity needed for muscle growth.
8. Balancing Aesthetics with Performance
• Chris highlights the challenge of balancing aesthetics and performance, suggesting that one might need to prioritize one over the other at different times. However, he notes that you can “cycle it for holidays or seasons” to get the best of both worlds.
9. Lower Body Fat Percentage (BFP) and Abs
• When it comes to targeting lower abs and reducing body fat, Chris’s favorite exercise is the weighted GHD sit-up. However, he reminds us that lowering body fat percentage comes down to maintaining a calorie deficit.
10. The Biggest Challenge in Fitness with Age
• As he ages, Chris finds that injuries and reduced recovery capacity make it harder to maintain previous training volumes. His solution? Listening to his body and avoiding overly strenuous activities, focusing instead on sustainability.
Chris Roberts’s approach to fitness is all about consistency, balance, and sustainability. From his supplement and nutrition tips to advice on handling injuries and balancing mental well-being, there’s something here for everyone—whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned gym-goer.
If you want to learn more or get personalized training plans, reach out to Chris at @performance_aesthetics on Instagram. Stay motivated, stay balanced, and remember: fitness is a journey, not a destination.
